Multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winner Sharon Gless has joined with Equality Florida Institute in its fight for marriage equality. A vocal advocate for LGBT rights, in 2013 Ms. Gless took a leading role in Equality Florida's Get Engaged campaign, a public education campaign to build support for marriage equality in the state.

On January 21, 2014, Equality Florida Institute joined with six couples in a lawsuit challenging the State of Florida’s ban on marriage equality. In recognition of her support, Equality Florida will be honoring Ms. Gless and the six plaintiff couples with the Voice for Equality Award at the organization’s Annual Miami Gala at the Pérez Art Museum on Sunday, March 16.

"There are many celebrities who call Florida home, and we applaud Sharon Gless for publicly expressing her support for LGBT equality," said Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida. "We are at a tipping point in the movement for full equality, and the voices of allies like Sharon Gless will make a huge difference."

Ms. Gless has had a home in Florida for more than 20 years and has been a steadfast ally in speaking out on behalf of the LGBT community. She served as Grand Marshal in the Miami Beach Pride Parade, received the Gay Icon Award at Philadelphia QFest, the PFLAG Ally award in Toronto and was honored by L.A.’s Gay & Elder Housing. Norman Lear’s People for the American Way recognized her for her unwavering support of human rights.

She recently recorded a video in support of Equality Florida’s campaign to “Get Engaged” in the fight for marriage equality, which may be viewed on Equality Florida’s YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWGEbmjcKwU.